A quoi peut servir la concurrence en assurance santé ?

This paper studies how competition in health insurance markets may improve the health system efficiency, while respecting some equity constraints. The analysis is based upon theoretical arguments, and lessons drawn from some recent reforms in other countries. The regulation of the relationship between health care professionals and patients is central to our approach. In particular, the strategies of insurance firms in a competitive market ? actions on health care producers, differentiation of insurance contracts, risk selection? depend on how the system is regulated. We hope that this analysis helps to assess some recent reforms undertaken in France.